Widely regarded as the definitive reference, this volume comprehensively examines the psychological processes associated with religion and spirituality. Leading scholars from multiple psychological subdisciplines present developmental, cognitive, social psychological, cultural, and clinical perspectives on this core aspect of human experience. The forms and functions of religious practices and rituals, conversion experiences, and spiritual struggles are explored. Other key topics include religion as a meaning system, religious influences on prosocial and antisocial behavior, and connections to health, coping, and psychotherapy.

New to This Edition
*Two chapters on cross-cultural issues.
*Chapters on spiritual goals, emotional values, and mindfulness.
*Reflects significant theoretical and empirical developments in the field.
*Many new authors and extensively revised chapters.
*Robust index amplifies the volume's usefulness as a reference tool.

A Choice Outstanding Academic Title

About the Author

Raymond F. Paloutzian, PhD, is Professor Emeritus of Experimental and Social Psychology at Westmont College and consultant to the Religion, Experience, and Mind (REM) Lab Group at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has been a visiting professor at Stanford University and a guest professor at Katholieke Universiteit in Leuven, Belgium. Dr. Paloutzian is a past president of the Society for the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality (Division 36) of the American Psychological Association (APA) and is a Fellow of five APA divisions and of the Association for Psychological Science. For 18 years, he was Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal for the Psychology of Religion. His books include Handbook of the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, Second Edition (coedited with Crystal L. Park), and Invitation to the Psychology of Religion, Third Edition. Dr. Paloutzian has given invited talks on the psychology of religion in global perspective in various countries around the world.

Crystal L. Park, PhD, is Professor of Psychology at the University of Connecticut. She is Associate Editor of Psychology and Health, the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, and The International Journal for the Psychology of Religion. Dr. Park is a past president and the current awards chair of APA Division 36, and a recipient of the Division's William James Award. Her research interests include the roles of religious beliefs and religious coping in response to stressful life events, the phenomenon of stress-related growth, and people's attempts to find meaning in or create meaning out of negative life events.

Reviews

"Paloutzian and Park have done it again! This second edition matches the quality of its predecessor in providing a comprehensive review of current research. Chapters have been revised and others added that cast the net even farther over interdisciplinary and cross-cultural waters. Scholars and students will benefit greatly from having this valuable reference in hand; clinicians and those working in religious settings should not be without it."--W. Paul Williamson, PhD, Department of Psychology, Henderson State University

"The volume captures the intense fascination with religion and spirituality shared by authors from diverse psychological subdisciplines, as well as the complexity of the issues we face in creating a cohesive scientific agenda. The chapters are thoughtful, informed, and provocative, and they demonstrate how disciplinary perspectives shape definitions, what we search for, and what we find."--Susan Folkman, PhD, Professor of Medicine Emeritus, University of California, San Francisco

"The second edition of the Handbook brings this exciting, evolving field fully up to date, with chapters from a 'who's who' of leading scholars. All serious researchers, teachers, and clinicians who are engaged with the psychology of religion and spirituality must have this volume on their shelves. It also will be of great value as a graduate course text. I know my own copy will become well worn."--Thomas G. Plante, PhD, ABPP, Augustin Cardinal Bea, S.J., University Professor and Director, Spirituality and Health Institute, Santa Clara University

"This comprehensive, up-to-date volume offers compelling concepts and evidence on a broad spectrum of topics. As a text, it would be ideal in graduate courses in psychology, religious studies, and public health. The coverage of links between spirituality, religion, and health and disease issues is especially exciting."--Carl E. Thoresen, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Education,Psychology, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University

"A vital contribution to a vibrant and growing field of study. Paloutzian and Park have once again organized leading scholars to provide the latest research findings across major areas of both historical and contemporary relevance. Those steeped in the field will appreciate the synthetic focus on key issues, the interdisciplinary sophistication, and the attention to diversity. Newcomers to the psychology of religion and spirituality will find the chapters accessible, with a helpful overview of each area. This is an excellent text for graduate courses and an essential resource for researchers."--Steven J. Sandage, PhD, Albert and Jesse Danielsen Professor of Psychology and Theology at Boston University and the Danielsen Institute

"We're living in a time of great interest in how religion arises in human minds and then comes to influence them in profound ways. This handbook is both timely and comprehensive, bringing together an illustrious group of psychologists to explore all major aspects of the psychology of religion. An important resource for advanced students."--Ara Norenzayan, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Canada - A must-have primer for all who are committed to the intersection of religion, spirituality, and psychology. --Family Journal, 1/3/2007ff Informative, illuminating, and valuable. --Scientific and Medical Network Online Book Reviews, 12/8/2012ff By creating the most comprehensive work to date by leading scholars in their respective fields and by giving path and purpose to the psychology of religion through the development of a multilevel interdisciplinary paradigm, Paloutzian and Park have fruitfully contributed to the progression of this field....Offers many of the pieces necessary to continue slowly piecing together our contemporary mosaic of psychological knowledge. --Journal of Muslim Mental Health, 12/8/2012ff"The editors have done an exceptional job of demonstrating the growth of the field, its multidisciplinarity, its contributions to the advancement of scientific knowledge, and its utility for addressing important religious and spiritual concerns, both individual and collective....Highly recommended. Upper-level undergraduates and above."--Choice Reviews, 2/1/2014ffThis is more than just another book on the subject of religion/spirituality. It is clearly the work of editors who have been leaders in the field for several decades and who are well aware of the challenges for future research. The contributors are well chosen and references provide a quick overview of recent research on specific themes.--Doody's Review Service, 11/1/2013

Book Information
ISBN 9781462520534
Author Raymond F. Paloutzian
Format Paperback
Page Count 698
Imprint Guilford Press
Publisher Guilford Publications
Weight(grams) 1240g